Obituaries

Mrs. Betty Joe Davenport Whitehead, 88, of Bradyville, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025. She was born to the late Lawrence Elmer and Verna Lee Watson Davenport on Thursday, September 17, 1936 in Woodbury, TN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Samuel and Ida Richards Davenport and Joseph B. and Eliza J. Stone Watson; brothers, Kenneth Watson (Myla) Davenport, Thomas Jewell Davenport, Elmer Ray Davenport, and Billie David Davenport; sister, Mary Helen (Thomas) Holden; niece, Ginger Davenport; and nephew, Gary Davenport.

She is survived by her husband, Virgil Whitehead; children, Cheryl L. Whitehead (Mark) Faiola, Kenneth Michael Watson, and Steven Ray Whitehead; uncle, Wayne (Cherie) Watson; nieces, Debbie Milligan Joseph, Peggy Davenport Messmer, Theresa Davenport Batey, Connie Davenport, Karen Davenport, and Cheryl Davenport Witt; nephews, Bruce Davenport, Kenneth Davenport, and Ray Lawrence Davenport; grandchildren, Christopher E. (Michelle) Fowles, Laura N. Fowles, Michael Maxwell Watson, Samantha N. Watson, Westley K. Whitehead, Jessica L. Whitehead Helm, and Julia Abel; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Fowles, Luna Bella Fowles, Adreena Fowles, Magnus Fowles, Theo Fowles, Evelyn Roberts, Raelyn Roberts, Walker Helm, Etha Abel, Jackson Abel, Izzie Abel, and Wyatt Abel; and sisters-in-law, Lois Davenport and Betty Davenport.

Running a farm, Mr. Lawrence was really hoping for another boy to add an extra set of hands. Instead, he quickly fell in love with his beautiful baby girl, Betty, but that didn’t keep him from getting “Joe” into her name. Betty opted to shorten it down to just “Jo” in later years, but it was a reminder of times past and what it meant to grow up during the trying times of the Great Depression.

Born and raised in Cannon County, Betty went on to live a true Cannon County childhood. The Davenport family’s farm was down on Doolittle Road, and many memories were made there. From stopping to wash her feet in the creek on her way to church to taking out someone’s fence when she was learning to drive, Doolittle was the setting for Betty’s formative years. That was until the place burned down and the Davenport Farm moved out on Red Hill Road.

Betty also went on to be involved in some of the great traditions of Cannon County during her early teen years. Playing basketball for Woodbury Central High School, Betty learned how to work with a team and that she loved to “throw those hoops.” That along with her farm girl work ethic translated into her work at the Shirt Factory. However, life in Cannon County was missing the adventure Betty hungered for, and she knew she had to get out of Woodbury.

Before turning 18, she met and married a Marine named Virgil Whitehead. Love was her ticket out, and Betty didn’t miss that train. She traveled all over the world with Virgil, going through Europe together before heading to Okinawa, Japan. When the kids started coming, Betty opted to stay on the state-side, but Virgil’s military service kept the family hopping. They started off in North Carolina and then made their way to Millington, Tennessee.

Woodbury came back in the mix for a few years, but Virgil and Betty were soon hot on the trail again. They lived in Georgia, went back to North Carolina, and finally, landed in California. Their travels are probably most memorable because of the family car – a Volkswagon Beetle. The boys had long legs and therefore first dibs on the middle seats, leaving Cheryl in the back, which was typically reserved for groceries. 

Their little Beetle took them far and wide across the United States from the East Coast to the West, but it was on the West Coast that Betty found her love for the beach. When Virgil got sent back to Okinawa, she would take the kids camping on the beach. They would pull up between sand dunes with the camper and set up their nest. California provided several opportunities for Betty to learn and grow into her own. 

Getting her GED, Betty took the leap of not only becoming a hairdresser but also opening her own salon. Nautilus Hair Styling was born and run in La Jolla, California. The name said it all. Betty styled hair just as beautiful as the seashell she named her salon after, and that helped her to maintain regular clientele from older generations. She formed relationships with those ladies, balancing out her role in the beauty parlor as hairdresser and counselor. 

Even with a business, Betty didn’t let it tie her down all the time. The kids remember their summers spent on the Davenport farm on Red Hill Road. They knew when they could start getting excited because there were only about 3 houses on the road at the time. One of the first was Mr. Smithson’s with a big “S” on the front, and that was the sign they were almost there. 

Cannon County remained a major part of Betty’s life, and as the years went on, she grew to appreciate it more and more. It only seemed fitting for her to move back to Cannon County, and she did so with the same excitement that she left with. Family reunions sparked her interest in geneology, and she had the family tree traced back through the Davenports, Watsons, and Stones. 

Betty’s roots only grew stronger and deeper into the history of Cannon County, but more importantly, her time as a farm girl, a military wife, a mother, and a businesswoman grew her roots in faith. She attended at Smith Grove Church of Christ and Midway Church of Christ until her health began to decline, but through it all, she made sure her feet were firmly planted on the Rock and her hand nestled in the unchanging hand of her Creator.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Al Bugg will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Garden. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smith Grove Church of Christ. 

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Gary Lee Bowman, 71, passed away on January 21, 2025 at his home in the Blues Hill community. Born in Fort Bragg, N.C., he was the son of the late Cecil E. Bowman and Margie Elizabeth Knox Bowman.

He is survived by his beloved daughters, Chrissy Bowman Vaughn and her husband, Jeremy of Woodbury, Cecilia Bowman of McMinnville and Cassie Bowman of Woodbury; grandchildren, Victoria Gudat, Davin Wilson, Allysa Gentry, Andre Inge, Kelsey and Jaycob Peters; great granddaughters, Adalynn Ritenour and Josie Wilson; his sister, Rita Kay Bryson and her husband, Terry of Readyville and step mother, Elene Bowman of Murfreesboro.

A member of the Blues Hill Church of Christ, Gary was a custom knife maker and blacksmith. He enjoyed many things in life including skydiving, shooting guns, leather work, cowboy reenactments and watching the Andy Griffith show. He had a great sense of humor and a multitude of friends.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. David Gilley officiating. Interment will follow in Thyatira cemetery.

Pallbearers include, Brad Hillis, Terry Staton, Mike Cooper, Buster Alexander, Wade Duggin, Garland Gilley, Don Elrod and Jason Bivens.

His family will receive friends Friday, January 24, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Woodbury Funeral Home to help his family with funeral expenses.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Sharon Hillis, 78, of McMinnville passed away on January 18, 2025. She was a native of McMinnville born on December 23, 1946. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles C. Womack and Oma Lea (Rhea) Womack, her husband Eddie Hillis, brother, Ronnie Womack and sister, Dixie Martin.

She is survived by her son, Trent Hillis and daughter, Angie (Kenny) Doak both of McMinnville, grandchildren, Shelby Lea Hillis, Lindzey Hillis, Ethan Hillis, Kayla Doak, and Jeremiah Doak, step-grandson, Nathan (Brittany) George, great grandchildren, Preston Wanamaker, Harper Moore, and Miah Doak, and several other relatives.

Life post WWII held a lot of challenges and opportunities. Although people in the rural areas still had a hard time finding regular work they did know how to pull together and take care of each other. Families were tight knit and did what it took to survive. The Womack family was no exception. Her parents received a early Christmas gift, a beautiful baby girl. 

Early on she and Eddie’s paths crossed. It wasn’t long before the love bug bit them, and they decided to get married. She tied the knot and fell right into her role as a wife. They made a perfect couple, both quiet, reserved, and content to be at home. When they did go out you could rest assured, she wasn’t going out in pajamas. When they left the house, they were fully dressed and put together. Occasionally, they would get away to Gatlinburg to rekindle their love. 

In the years that followed they were blessed with two children, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were the icing on the cake. In true Southern fashion she cooked good old home cooking. When those family get togethers happened there could have easily been a fight for the last helping of her dressing. One of the traditions the grandchildren looked forward to was being in the kitchen helping her bake banana bread. Seeing them come over always lit a special spark in her eyes and a warm place in her heart. She took great pride in helping love and nurture her grandchildren and great grandchildren. No, wasn’t a word she would use when it came to whether she would be able to watch one or all of them for a day, night, or a week. She was ready, willing and able to have them any and every time.

Taking care of her family always took top priority for her. Having her home neat as a pin and things in order was the way. Cleaning was a stress relief for her and a way to bless others. Often, she would go to family and friend’s homes and lend a hand with her special touch to set their homes straight. Her talents weren’t limited inside the home. It gave her great peace to be outside enjoying God’s creation in her own yard. She had a special love for hummingbirds. Seeing them zip around and hoover to eat never seemed to get old. Her flower garden was a special place. She enjoyed the simple beauty of morning glories as her favorites over roses or other more refined flowers. 

Throughout her life she held a strong faith and belief in God. She enjoyed worshiping with her church family at Bonner Church of Christ. That faith helped her through her own unique struggles in life. Eddie suffered from health issues, and she was right there when he needed her help and loving hands to do what he couldn’t. In her later years dementia began to take hold on her mind. The day her beloved Eddie passed away, the stress of losing him coupled with dementia caused her to decline. 

The once strong and determined matriarch of the family needed the help of God and her family to care for her. Her legacy and spirit will live on with the foundation of love she left them. Every time they use her recipe for banana bread, see a hummingbird, her memory will be renewed.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff of Willow Branch Healthcare and Rehabilitation and Gentiva Hospice for their support and loving care.

A service with be announced at a later date. Memorial donations are requested to assist with expenses through Gentry-Smith Funeral Home. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.

Baunita Thompson Wimberly, 84, of Woodbury passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at St. Thomas Rutherford.  Born in Warren Co., she was the daughter of the late Willie Rubin Thompson and Georgie Azzilene Hale.

She is survived by her children, Sandy Wimberly Alexander of Woodbury and Randy (Terri) Wimberly of Readyville; grandson, Dan Wimberly of Readyville; step granddaughter, Amber Sissom of Woodbury; step great grandchildren, Cole, Baylee and Zoie Sissom; sister, Brenda (Bill) Tidrick of Wartrace; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bernice Wimberly and Glen (Rhonda) Wimberly all of Woodbury; special nieces, Michelle Gannon and Donna Jennings.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Joe Wimberly and siblings, David Thompson, Linda Spivey and Kathy (Wes) Carlson.

A member of the Church of Christ, she retired from General Electric.  She loved everyone and always put them first.  Baunita was a member of the Rook Club and was an instructor with Southern Cloggers.  She enjoyed reading, sewing and being on the water skiing. 

Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. Sunday, January 19, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Shane Nichols officiating.  Interment will follow in Riverside Gardens cemetery. Pallbearers include Brent and Brad Wimberly, Jeremy and Jason Morris, Bradley Spivey and Chad Carlson.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Dan Wimberly, Wayne Hancock, Shane Gannon, Jason Sanders and Blake Parker.

Her family will receive friends Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to the Cannon Co. Walking Horse Association, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, American Heart Assoc or the American Diabetes Assoc.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Steven Ray Wimberly, 45, of Bradyville passed away suddenly Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Rutherford Co. Born in Cannon Co., he is the son of Robert and Raycell Francis Wimberly of Manchester.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved daughter, Raylan Wimberly and her mother, Courtney Barrett of Woodbury; brother, Michael Wimberly of Manchester; grandmother, Martha Francis of Woodbury; aunts and uncles, Teresa Miller of Manchester, Joy (Jerry) Gilley, Ronnie (Karen) Wimberly and Jeff Wimberly all of Woodbury; nephews, Ryan and Blake Wimberly of Clearwater, FL.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Buddy Francis, Brown and Maggie Wimberly and his cousin, Mark Nichols.

Steven was a member of the Center Hill Baptist church. After graduating from Cannon Co. High School, he started working for Adient where he has continually worked for 25 years. You could find Steven riding horses, 4 wheelers, side by sides or kayaking. He was always ready for fun with friends and he had many. Steven always wanted everyone happy and he would do anything to put a smile on your face. An old soul, he enjoyed the simple things in life but being a dad to his precious daughter, Raylan was what he loved the most in this world.

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in the Riverside Gardens cemetery.

Pallbearers include, Nick Richey, Terry Blanton, Devin Merriman, Kenny Buchanan, Jeremy Thomas, Daniel Wimberly and Dusty Dewrell. Honorary Pallbearers will be, David Wilson, Kirk Davis, Keith Davis, Brad Hall, Greg Smithson and Ronald Blanton.

His family will receive friends Friday, January 17, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. 

For those wishing to do so, donations may be made to Raylan Wimberly for an account that will be set up for her care. Those donations can be made through Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Danny Vythoulkas, 77, of Bradyville passed away at his home on Friday, January 10, 2025.  Born in Zante Zackinthos, Greece, he was the son of the late John and Anastacia Vythoulkas.

 He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan Farrar Vythoulkas of Bradyville; his children, Tracy Higgins and Chris Taylor both of Woodbury; grandsons, Daniel Taylor of Murfreesboro, Dalton Taylor of Woodbury and Hunter Higgins of Bowling Green, KY; great grandson, Parker Higgins of Beaver Dam, KY.; siblings, Nickalas Vythoulkas, Helena Marvros and Maria Dounivi all of Greece. 

 In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Dionisios Vythoulkas; grandson, Cody Higgins; sister, Joanne and nephew, Johnny Vythoulkas.

 While in Greece, Danny was a Bomb Ordinance Specialist in the Greek Army and was a 3rd Engineer on Merchant Marine ships.  He worked for Aristotle Onassis and traveled all over the world.  In 1973, he came to the United States.  He met Joan in 1974 while she was working at J&G Pizza in Manchester.  July 11, 1974 they had a Greek wedding and married at J&G.  Joan talked Danny in to coming to Woodbury and on January 4, 1978, they opened DJ’s Pizza and Steak House.  They owned this business for 19 years.  Danny also was a truck driver and a painter.

 Danny loved all of his family, fishing, going to the lake and telling stories.  He was also appreciative of all the friends he made.

 His family will receive friends Sunday, January 11, 2025 beginning at 10:00 A.M. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Eddie Boggess officiating.  Interment will follow at Blanton’s Chapel cemetery in Manchester.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blanton’s Chapel cemetery Fund or to Short Mountain Bible Camp.

 Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Ellis Wade Sissom, 87, of Bradyville, TN. passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Stonecrest Hospital.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Homer and Hessie Duke Sissom.

Mr. Sissom is survived by his children, Helen Ford, Rene Sissom and Greg Sissom; grandchildren, Jeremy (Bethany) Arnold, Nathan Barnett, Casey (Shane) Rhoten, Derek (Marah) Sissom, Michaela Sissom, Maggie Fortune, Sammy Sissom, Brandi (Stephen) Troyer, and Emily (Bobby) Singleton; great grandchildren, Ella and Ethan Arnold, Caleb Jacobs, Cole Rhoten, Mason and Maverick Sissom, James and Memphis Hagler, Luke and Payton Fortune, Aveline and Arolina Troyer, Levi and Lana Singleton; siblings, Barney (Linda) Sissom, Ed Sissom and Wanda Dailey.

Also preceding him in death are his sons, Randy Sissom and Wade Sissom and his siblings, Donna Taylor, Carl Sissom, Pharris Sissom and Morgan Sissom.

A member of the Gilley Hill Methodist church, Ellis was a life long logger.  He was an avid outdoorsman mainly enjoying hunting and fishing.  He also enjoyed slow days where he would get to whittle.  More than anything, he looked forward to Sunday dinners with his family.

Funeral services will be 12:00 noon Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating.  Interment will follow in Gilley Hill cemetery. 

His family will receive friends Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. and Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. until his time of service.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net 

Joseph John Prince, Jr., 80, of Readyville, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at his home. Born on June 17, 1944, in Yonkers, New York, to Joseph Prince, Sr. and Rubena Povey Prince, Joe – nicknamed “Rusty” – grew up in the suburbs north of New York City along the Hudson River. His strong work ethic and determination were instilled by his father who worked in paint and body repair. His adventurous spirit came from his mother, who kept the family on the move.

In his youth, he served as an altar boy at the Episcopal Church and then later attended and graduated from Irvington High School. In 1962, motivated by his love for his country, Joe enlisted in the Marines; he retired with the rank of Sergeant with a specialty in KW-7 radio technology. He served a tour in Vietnam in a battalion tasked with protecting the airport. During the war, Joe’s compassion compelled him to help the Vietnamese children, by providing clothing, food, and a safe passage home whenever he could. He often spoke of a young girl named Ling and her brother, Thom, whose family he came to know, and he carried their memory with him for decades, wondering if they had survived the war. Joe received several commendations and decorations as a soldier – the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnamese Service Metal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He also earned the Rifle Expert Badge. Sadly, his time in Vietnam also brought exposure to Agent Orange, which led to his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2005—a twenty-year battle he took on with strength and determination, though not without its share of frustration.

After returning from military service, Joe met his first wife Carolyn. They soon left their home in New York and settled in Florida where they welcomed their first child, Lisa Marie. Joe enrolled at Palm Beach Junior College in West Palm Beach and earned a degree in marine biology. As it turned out, damage to his hearing from the war would interfere with deep diving, preventing him from furthering a career in this field. Instead, he went on to become a highly skilled electrician, working in the service department at Hoff Electric in Jupiter, Florida.

Joe, Carolyn, and Lisa lived in Florida until 1977, when they decided it was time to seek out a better life and a more varied climate. After reading and researching options, they found their way to middle Tennessee. As they drove down Highway 53 and saw the rolling hills of Cannon County, they knew they had found home. The family bought a house on a hill in Readyville, complete with separate his and hers outhouses. It was there that Joe and Carolyn welcomed their son, Joseph John III, and two years later, their daughter, Katherine Marie. Both children were delivered at home with the help of a midwife—and Joe! For Joe, being a father was the greatest joy of his life, and he always considered it his most important role.

Around this time, Joe decided to branch out on his own and start his own electrical business, building on the skills he had honed at Hoff Electric in Florida. Over the years, he expanded his expertise to include plumbing and appliance repair. Before long, Prince Repair Service and Joe Prince became trusted names in Cannon County. Despite being at one time an out-of-towner, Joe soon became a part of the close knit Readyville/Woodbury community – a generous business owner, an active parent in schools, a Boy Scout leader, an advocate for the history and nature of Cannon County, and a supporter of the arts.

In 1988, Joe heard from an old friend from Florida, Thea, who was tracking down some of her former colleagues to see how they were doing. At this time, Joe had been a divorced, single parent for more five years, and he and Thea reconnected their old friendship long-distance. They reunited face-to-face shortly thereafter and fell in love. They were married on April 20, 1990, at Grace Lutheran Church in Murfreesboro. This began the 35 years of life they would share, built on a steadfast love for each other, their families, and their commitment to the community. Thea became Joe’s partner in raising Joey and Kathy, building their home and garden, and she eventually became his devoted primary caregiver as his Parkinson’s progressed.

Thea enjoyed playing the role of bookkeeper for Prince Repair Service, getting good laughs at how many customers would tell her that they were having to chase Joe down just to pay him. Joe’s fun-loving personality and sharp wit endeared him to everyone who knew him. Though Thea and the family never knew quite what joke was going to come out of Joe’s mouth, they knew for sure that if he was reaching for his wallet, he would soon be asking an unsuspecting friend or stranger if they wanted to see a picture of his pride and joy, which happened to be a business-size card with an actual picture of Pride furniture wax and Joy dish washing detergent. This knack for making others smile and laugh gave Joe such joy. 

Joey and Kathy worked for their dad at different times, and Thea’s son Matthew also joined Joe at Prince Repair Service. While Joey’s and Matthew’s time at the business was shorter, Kathy stayed on for more than a decade, sharing in the work and the values Joe brought to everything he did. She was a first-hand witness to the kindness and understanding Joe showed customers, who quickly and easily became friends along the way.

Joe had a remarkable almost magical connection with animals. Whether furry, feathered, or furless, animals seemed to sense Joe’s love and respect for them, and they loved and respected him right back. Over the years, at their Readyville home, Joe and his family cared for countless rescue dogs, along with chickens, cats, birds, pigs, a cow, and even a baby skunk he saved and named Rasputin. Joe could even calm an agitated snake with ease. To him, every animal was family, and he proudly referred to them as his babies and grandbabies.

Joe also had a passion for history, dedicating much of his spare time to uncovering and preserving the stories of the past. While living in Cannon County, he focused on documenting the history of Native Americans who once called the area home or passed through its lands. Through tireless digging and investigating, Joe assembled a museum-quality collection of arrowheads. His interest extended to metal detecting and coin collecting, where he uncovered relics from pivotal eras like the Trail of Tears and the Civil War.

Over the years, Joe’s love for Cannon County extended to its thriving arts community. He was deeply committed to supporting the Arts Center of Cannon County, helping it grow from its early days and beyond. Joe had a knack for set design and once even built a fully functional on-stage hair salon, complete with working water sprayers. Whatever the Arts Center needed, Joe was eager to lend a hand. He took on several supporting roles in productions and once went so far as to shave his head to convincingly portray male pattern baldness for a play—a testament to his dedication and sense of humor.

Joe earned his broker’s license and sold real estate for several different realty groups in the area. He loved this opportunity to meet others and be part of their lives, but quickly realized that he was an electrical and plumbing guy through and through and preferred being his own boss.

Joe had an innate connection with nature, finding peace and purpose in the world around him. He discovered his slice of heaven on an 80-acre piece of land he and Thea lovingly called “the Ridge.” Even as Parkinson’s disease challenged him, the Ridge became a sanctuary, a “Fortress of Solitude” where he could recharge and reconnect. A trip to the Ridge with his children offered him a sense of renewal and the comfort of the great outdoors he loved so much.

For Joe, it wasn’t the land, his work, the arts, history, or even his humor that made life truly extraordinary—it was the people. He often said that God places just the right people in our lives at just the right time, and he was endlessly grateful for the friends and family he was blessed to know and love. Joe packed an extraordinary amount of love and living into his 80 years, making every single day count. He had a way of bringing life to each moment and inspiring others to do the same. His spirit, kindness, and unforgettable presence will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The man, the myth, the legend – Joe Prince.

Preceding Joseph John Prince, Jr. in death were his parents, Joseph John Prince, Sr. and Rubena Ruth Povey Prince; and sister, Judy Vasquez. He is survived by his wife, Dorothea “Thea” Brown Prince of Readyville; children, Lisa (Jon) Parrott of Panama City, Florida, Joey (Dawn) Prince of Nashville, and Katherine (Jeremy) Dotson of Murfreesboro; mother of his children, Carolyn Prince; step-children, Matthew Proctor of Woodbury and Lisa (Troy) Thibodeaux of Dallas, Texas; sister, Darcy Knowles of Lake Park, Florida; grandchildren, Jessica Elrod, Tucker Dotson, Joshua (Ashley) Proctor, Tabitha (Jed) Copeland, Katherine (Isaac) Padilla, and Avery Johannes; great grandchildren, Zoe Webster, Adeline Proctor, Grayson Proctor, Silas Copeland, Ezekiel Copeland, and Jude Padilla; and several nieces and nephews.

Details for a Celebration of Life Gathering will be shared at a later date. To honor Joe, his family is asking that memorial donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Cannon County Community for Animals, or the Cannon County Vietnam Veterans for America Chapter 1146.  

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story.

Mr. Keith Lynn Reed, 53, of Readyville, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025. One of the last of the old traditionals, Keith was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Woodbury, Tennessee on Monday, May 3, 1971. His family goes far back into Cannon County history, and it doesn’t take that many generations to get there. His grandparents, Clifton and Ruby Turney, owned a house on the original Statesville highway, and from the genealogy to the traditions, Keith was deeply engrained in Cannon County.

It was more than a place. It was his home. Born and raised here, Keith took up with one of the great traditions in Cannon County getting swept up with horses. As a child, he became interested in horses, and he even elected to live with his grandparents, Ernest and Irma Reed, just to be closer to the horses and learning all he could. His fascination only grew when Carlton Pitts started him off working horses on Locke Creek. From there, Keith’s success skipped the walking and went straight into a run.

From 1985-2024, Keith rode, trained, and showed horses. He placed on the State and World Championship levels with the horses he showed, and Tennessee Walking Horses were his specialty. He broke, trained, and rode horses in the Celebration and had countless accolades to his name. Just listing them all off would probably end up being a 20 minute conversation. However, Keith liked to keep the pot stirred, and one time, he competed with a horse of a Spotted Saddle bloodline that wasn’t spotted. If that wasn’t enough to rile up the horse crowd, Keith went on to win with that horse in the Spotted Saddle Division.

That carefree and fun-loving personality attracted people to him, and he had a group of about 11 or 12 friends that he would get together with to go trail riding. He could cut up, kid around, and pick at you with the best of them. He, Jerry Melton, and Russell Duggin decided to keep the good times rolling with several consecutive trips to the Biltmore year after year. They all had an interest in history outside of horses, and that drew Keith back close to his Cannon County roots.

Keith took a keen interest in family lineage and old possessions. He collected antiques, and since he enjoyed farming hay for his horses, John Deere memorabilia rated toward the top of his list on antiques to have. Yet, there was one more interest Keith shared with his grandfather Ernest, and it led him to follow Ernest’s footsteps all the more closely.

Having a soft heart for children, Keith found himself surrounded by kindred spirits becoming a Custodian with the Rutherford County School System. During his almost 30 years working there, the majority of his time was spent at Oakland School, but in recent years, he was transferred to Central Magnet. Being around kids and seeing them chase their dreams just like he had brought Keith a sense of peace and joy in life. They also didn’t mind sharing a joke or two and didn’t take themselves so seriously.

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Keith had the faith of a child and didn’t let himself grow up so much that he took things too seriously. Horses, history, having a good time, and helping others summed up his life, but he kept on dreaming and aimed to do so much more with his life than just live. For 53 years, he thrived in his place on this earth, but the most important H’s in how he lived his life were heart and home.

Preceding him in death were his father, Melvin Gail Reed; and grandparents Ernest and Irma Reed and Clifton and Ruby Turney. He is survived by his mother, Annette Turney Reed; brothers, Marlin Reed and James (Christy) Reed; nieces and nephews, Miguel Espinosa, Annie Grace Reed, and Isabella Claire Reed; and countless friends he has met over the years through the Tennessee Walking Horse Association and Rutherford County School System.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 11 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment will be in Riverside Garden.

A scholarship has been established in Keith’s memory for those who would like to honor his legacy by contributing to provide educational opportunities for individuals in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Please make checks payable to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Foundation and note that it’s for the Keith Reed Scholarship. Your donations can be dropped off at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home or mailed to:

Keith Reed Scholarship

c/o TWHBEA

PO Box 28

Lewisburg, TN 37091

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Billy J. Blair, 87, of Bradyville, TN. passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Thomas Rutherford hospital. A native of Warren Co., he was the son of the late Floyd and Sylvia Hibdon Blair. He was born on February 11, 1937.

Mr. Blair is survived by his children, Philip (Cherie) Blair of Fowlerville, MI., Christopher Blair of Fowlerville, MI., Kimberly (Beth) Singer of Ferndale, MI., Randy (Teresa) Blair of St. Charles, MI., Julia Blair Watt (Jeffrey) of Oxford, MI., Carrie Blair of Meadowcroft (Lane) of Eugene, OR., Kendel (Michelle) Blair of Fowlerville, MI.; grandchildren, Michael Blair, Mark Blair, Kevin Blair, Daniel Blair, Kyler Blair, Sydney Meadowcroft, Billy Blair, Jacob Watt, Emma Meadowcroft, MacKenzie Blair, Nathan Watt and Madison Blair and his brother, Terry Blair of Detroit, MI. Also surviving are several great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Blair and his siblings, Geraldine Blair Duke, Will H. Blair, Morris H. Blair, Jimmy T. Blair and Ricky Blair. A member of the Woodbury 7th Day Adventist church, he enjoyed evangelism with his church and worked in Tool and Dye. He loved gardening, planting trees and spending time with family. Mr. Blair was a veteran of the United States Navy.

His family will recieve friends after 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 11, 2024. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Clark officiating. Interment will follow in the Gunter Grizzle cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 3 Angels Broadcasting Network. 

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net